tobys-brain
- June 26
- United States
- Deviant for 9 years
- www.tobys-brain.com
- He / Him
From my website (because I'm feeling too lazy to write something new): Born in 1977 (after his overdue mother went to see the circus) and raised in Raynham, MA, Toby Gray is a stay-at-home father of 3 boys, a husband, an artist, a practitioner of Shotokan Karate (since 1995), an exercise geek, a Ninja Warrior, an Eagle Scout, a lover of hiking and camping and kayaking, a snowboarder, a wood-working enthusiast, a comic book fan, an introvert, at one time a pure-bred cat breeder, and a dreamer. He has been wearing shorts year-round (in MA and NH, not some wimpy warm locale) since 1991 (with a handful of exceptions, like brief job requirements and snowboarding) all because of a bet gone awry. He also really likes monkeys and squids.
You can help support Toby and his brain by visiting his Etsy store, www.etsy.com/shop/PlungerMonke… and decorating your torso with the stuff from his brain!
Profile Comments 56
Hello! Just a quick note to say that I really like what I've seen of your work - you're clearly a very talented illustrator. The clarity and elegance of your line-work is to be admired and respected!
... We are honoured to have you with us here on DeviantART. 
(And as for whether you'll make it, well... personally, I think you already have.)
Thank you so much for such kind words. I've been at this for my entire life (with one significant break when my kids were young, which was about ten years long), and it is always a struggle not only to have consistent time in my studio but also to get eyeballs on my art. I sincerely appreciate everyone that checks my stuff out and particularly those that are moved enough by it to take the time to like and comment. It is difficult to tell what kind of reach one has otherwise. I have big dreams and an ever-growing project list that I will chip away at until I'm in the ground and regardless of whether or not anyone else ever sees any of it, but I do desire to "hit it big" (don't we all?) and make a solid living off my art (so my wife can retire early). Some days I almost feel like giving up on that notion, but then kind folks take a moment out of their busy lives to say something nice about my work and start to believe again. So, once again, thank you.
NEVER GIVE UP. I've said it a thousand times in the last twenty years. The only time you really lose, and stop being an artist worthy of the name, is when you down tools - as long as you're learning and pushing forward, you're making the journey that all us artists are on. I know it can be rough to draw great art, and have it totally blanked by the world, but we're all in the same boat - I assure you that I know exactly how you feel, and sympathize.
... What I will say is that it does get better. Eventually, you'll be discovered by the world - but by then, you'll be so focused on the journey, that people's opinions won't matter as much as actually drawing the next piece. It's a truly delightful feeling to be content with your work, and at the same time, not care a jot about what the randoms of the Internet have to say.
Never give up. You'll get there.
You're trippy man! Good stuff :O
I take that as a high form of praise! Uh, no pun intended...
But seriously, I appreciate that you enjoy my stuff and took the time to like and comment. It always brightens my day as I sit here plugging away, wondering if anyone is even seeing my work, let alone wondering if I'll ever "make it". So, thank you!
Hi. 
I like your monkey. WATCH.